CFS Competitions: The birth of a long standing tradition
With the disbanding of the Civil Defence at the end of the Second World War in 1945, the SA Government agreed to have the State volunteer fire service retain the trailer pumps and other civil defence firefighting equipment on loan from the Commonwealth subject to specific loan conditions.
The conditions covered storage, maintenance, training/parades, attending fire calls, and monthly reports stating that the volunteers shall be enrolled as members of the "Emergency Fire Services".
In 1947 the Government also made redundant trailer pumps and other firefighting equipment available to District Councils to form volunteer bushfire brigades.
The pioneer volunteer bodies assisted the new organisation and the private associations (farmers) were invited to co-operate with the Government sponsored movement. The result: a unified state volunteer firefighting force was formed called the "Emergency Fire Service".
To encourage volunteer firefighters, foster interest and maintain a high standard of efficiency among newly formed brigades, the Government introduced a handsome silver cup valued at f50 for an annual competition between inter-area crews from across the state.
Elimination contests were conducted in each area and the winning seven teams competed for the championship honours in "The Trailer Pump Championship Event" at the Royal Show at Wayville.
Winners of "The Government Cup" at the inaugral EFS Fire Fighting Drill Competition Championships in 1947 were Mount Gambier EFS.
State and district training schools were also introduced with standard uniforms and badges issued. The existing rural firefighting associations were affiliated and new bodies were formed. The Government and Insurance Companies made funds available to subsidise the purchase of equipment for the EFS volunteer brigades. As local Councils recognised the value of trained volunteer brigades, they in turn contributed to the establishment of the units.
Small pumps, trailer pumps and old vehicles were replaced with up to date composite fire appliances and the infant firefighting body was slowly developed into the highly efficient volunteer firefighting force of today.
The CFS State Competitions continues as a tradition of the Service, creating interest within brigades as they prepare and then compete. It is also an opportunity for volunteers from around the State to meet, share ideas and socialise with their colleagues in circumstances less demanding than operational situations.
Photos from the competitions may be viewed on the Promotions Unit website at www.fire-brgade.asn.au.